Tuesday Truth.
Number 14.
Minimalism.
I love this quote because it really asks us to question our choices.
I am still on a journey toward simplicity.
Part of that journey is one that embraces minimalism.
The version of minimalism that I prefer is probably best summed up in this post by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist.
It’s basing your definition of minimalism on your values.
The type of minimalism that says “own nothing” is not in my personal definition. Although that version can definitely be the right choice for some people.
However, my definition does include being mindful of my choices.
How often will I actually use it? Will I use it? Will it sit and collect dust? How much of my time will be spent tending to it? Does it enhance my life or make me its keeper?
My personal definition encompasses reducing clutter.
It asks me to ponder the environmental impact of my choices.
And then it also asks me to think about the amount of life that will be exchanged for its price.
Consumerism.
As we delve deeper into this holiday season, I am reminded of the constant pressures to consume.
And personally, I still struggle with the pressure to consume. Not for want of things for myself, but because I want to bring joy to those that I love and we’ve been conditioned to believe that this is how love is shown at this time of year.
Exchange Ratio.
Interestingly, every article I’ve ever read about death shares a similar theme. The dying wished they’d spent more time with “fill in the blank” person or persons.
Yes, time does require us to exchange life in return for that time spent.
So in that way, there is a price to it.
And sometimes that time spent is doing things that require money.
For our family, that price is the amount of money it takes for a family of five to travel to new places.
Yours may look different.
But I hope that you take a moment (or two) to ponder the price of your choices.
How much life are you exchanging for them?
Does that ratio bring you happiness or contentment?
If not, I’d ask you to consider what you might be able to change.
Or what you can begin to shift in order to move more closely to what you envision.
Many people consider a new year to be an opportunity for fresh starts. It’s a time when I decide new goals (not resolutions, you can read about the distinction in this post).
Will you be making new choices?
Let your light shine!
Amy
Your post about resolutions triggered me to start working on my Keep, Stop, Start list. It requires more work – specifically around the ‘how’ part – but it really helped frame my thinking about what’s good and I want to keep in my life.
You and I are on the same page about minimizing. The big Start on my list is downsizing stuff. I think I’ve said it before – I’m not a packrat – but stuff accumulates and it’s time to take a critical view of my ‘stuff’.
I hope that you’re enjoying making your Keep, Stop, Start list!!
Stuff does seem to accumulate…even if it just the mail coming (my nemesis!). I’m trying to go into the new year with a lot less stuff!
W-O-A-H! This is seriously mind blowing- such a good quote followed by awesome thoughts. As always, I so appreciate these insights!
I love, love the way this quote makes you think. So glad that it resonated for you!! <3
There’s a Milton sonnet, “When I consider how my light is spent…” and that is something I’ve never forgotten. Truly, we are obliged to do certain things to maintain our relationships, with spouse, with kids, parents, work… BUT when we truly feel we have choice, we must consider where we put our energy and our time and our money.
Emerson had a whole thing about time being money and financing the future.
Your quote was a great choice for this time of year.
I had not read that Milton sonnet. I found it…and enjoyed it. It truly is something to think about. I enjoy much of what Emerson tends to say as well. I’m glad you liked the quote. 🙂
🙂